Washington walked here: Guide takes people on first president's route through Ports.

Saturday

Aug 9, 2014 at 3:15 AMAug 9, 2014 at 7:39 PM

By Ron Colenews@fosters.com

PORTSMOUTH — Everyone knows that George Washington is the father of our country.

The former general from Virginia was sworn in as the first president of the United States in New York City on April 30, 1789 and decided that one of his first duties would be to travel to each of the 13 colonies.

The end of October that year found the president in Portsmouth.

He spent three days in the Port City and walked, rode and boated his way throughout the area.

Every Friday, residents and visitors have an opportunity to trace his steps as the Gov. John Langdon House presents “Walk with Washington.”

This past Friday, several people, with guide Bill Littlefield leading the way, followed Washington's path.

Beginning at the Langdon House, Littlefield described the reason for Washington's time in Portsmouth and the reason for his stay at that house.

“Langdon was not born of wealthy parents, but as with most males of the time, was sent off to Harvard University. When he graduated, he interned in the shipping business and by the age of 20, had a boat of his own, becoming very well off in the shipping business, building the finest house in the community in 1784.”

After explaining facts about the two types of construction, mostly brick after three severe fires in the early 19th century, Littlefield brought his strollers to the square, and pointed out to the Athenaeum across the street.

“That is the location of the New Hampshire State House in those days, when Portsmouth was the state's capital,” he said, “ and that is where President Washington spoke to the throng in attendance after a 13-gun salute. Sadly, no one kept his words, but to all accounts it was well accepted.”

Walking along toward the water, the strollers were educated as to Washington's attendance at a service at St. John's Episcopal Church. “He could not state a preference for religion for political reasons, and attended St. John's this day.”

Washington then went on a fishing trip — “only two fish” — Littlefield said, and was entertained by a local band of seamen all in white uniforms. “There was again a 13-gun salute, and an avid effort by the bandsmen, one of whom explained at the beginning, 'We are anxious to entertain our President with all our power.'”

Littlefield then brought his guests through Prescott Park, pointing to the naval shipyard across the Piscataqua River and a gundalow under sail. He also pointed out the Sheaf warehouse, said to be the oldest in New Hampshire, having been built in 1705.

The group visited an ancient graveyard, and traveled to and entered the home of Tobias Lear on Hunking Street, where he had tea with Lear's mother. The house, almost unchanged today, was the birthplace of Tobias, who in 1784 became secretary to Washington, handling his everyday needs.

Littlefield brought the party back near Strawbery Banke, discussing its import to the community, and ended up bringing them back to the Langdon House.

Eleven-year-old Olivia Telles of Dover, a rising sixth-grader, was joined this day by her Nana Dot Noseworthy of Newington. Both agreed on the enjoyment they had, and Olivia said, “It was interesting learning about where he went and the people he met.”

The tours will continue each Friday through Oct. 10. Information can be found at www.historicnewengland.org.